Chiropody, Foot Facts and Foot Care

CHIROPODY

Working as a private chiropodist/podiatrist who is a registered member of the Health Professions Council (HPC) and with nursing qualifications in both mental health (RMN) and general
nursing (RGN), Joe accepts referrals from hospitals, nursing and rest homes, hospices, communitry homes and private individuals.

Following a long career in the NHS he is superbly placed to bring his skills to foot care.

He treats all common foot problems and provides thorough and unhurried treatment.

Please go to 'Foot Care' below for useful information on conditions affecting the foot and to other pages for general guidance on common foot problems, their associated remedies and
how to properly care for your feet.

Contact Joe on 01444 456640 for a home visit or to talk over with Joe any aspect of your foot health which may be of concern to you.

FOOT FACTS

*It supports great weights which takes us through an average of 18,000 steps each day

*Each foot has about 72,000 nerve endings on the sole

*Reflexologists believe that massage to the foot can stimulate the nervous system and promote physical and psychological healing

*In an average life time our feet carry us the equivalent of five times around the world

*It is estimated that when running, our feet strike the ground with an impact equal to a 30mph car crash! Ouch!

FOOT CARE

*Wash and dry feet thoroughly. Dry especially between the toes

*Trim nails using nail clippers or scissors but do not cut them too short. Cut from left to right or vice versa but never down the sides of the nail as this can lead to ingrown nails or
other deformities

*Keep nails clean

*Massage feet with a water based cream preferably in the mornings but avoid deep massage where there is cancer, secondaries, general illness, colds and flu. Superficial, light massage can
be useful in these latter conditions but if in doubt refrain from any type of foot massage or take advice

*Choose the right shoes. Make sure that there's plenty of space for your toes, that the instep is supported and that your feet do not move or float around within the shoe. The heel should
be a snug fit, comfortable like a glove, and should not rub on the flesh. Socks and hosiery should follow the same rules

*Exercise daily at any age so that ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves get a good workout but be gentle with yourself

*Start each daywith fresh socks. Change your shoes regularly and try not to wear the same pair each day

*DO NOT buy tight shoes hoping that you 'WILL BREAK THEM IN!' You will not break them in and it could well have implications for your ankles, knees, hips, spine and neck. try your new shoes
out in the shop, making sure that you walk in them and preferably buy shoes later in the day when your feet have been working for some time and are naturally larger. Do not wear secondhand
shoes.

*Relax and rest tired feet. This gives a chance for them to revive and not become sore. This is particularly so if you are in a profession/job where you have to be on your feet continuously
for long hours. Try to put your feetlevel with your heart - you really will feel a difference!

*If you have a problem see a chiropodist/podiatrist (same thing) who is registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) which is a legal requirement. Currently the HPC oversees the
standards and professional ethics of many professions including Chiropody/Podiatry. Foot Health Practitioners (FHCs) have also joined the profession and are registered by their individual training
organisations. Each practitioner has a responsibility to carry out the care/treatment which is in line with their level of competence.